Engineered for Excellence Regional Career Roadshow Inspires Future Tradespeople Across South Australia

Over the past few months, ATEC's Engineered for Excellence program travelled across regional South Australia, connecting with students, educators, industry representatives and employers through a series of Regional Career Roadshows designed to promote careers in Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering.

The statewide journey included visits to the Limestone Coast, Kadina, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln, where the team attended career expos, visited schools and met with local businesses.

Throughout the tour, ATEC staff members engaged with hundreds of students, providing valuable insights into Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering trades, apprenticeship pathways, industry demand, earning potential and the diverse range of industries that rely on skilled tradespeople.

ATEC's BDM Cale Porter said the roadshow was an opportunity to help young people better understand the many career options available within the engineering trades.

"Throughout the region, we successfully promoted Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering trades across key areas of South Australia, increasing awareness of vocational engineering pathways and the diverse career opportunities available," he said.

"Students gained valuable insights into what these trades involve, potential career outcomes, apprenticeship pathways, current industry shortages, workforce demand, earning potential, and the wide range of industries connected to engineering trades, including mining, defence, manufacturing, transport, fabrication and construction."

In addition to attending career expos and school events, ATEC staff visited numerous fabrication, engineering and manufacturing businesses throughout the regions. These visits provided an opportunity to discuss the Engineered for Excellence program, explore workforce development opportunities and demonstrate how the initiative can help connect young people with meaningful career pathways in their local communities.

The roadshow also included a visit to the recently opened Port Augusta Technical College, where ATEC staff learned more about the opportunities available to students through the college's trade-focused programs.

Students were also provided with practical advice on how they can prepare for future apprenticeship opportunities, including seeking local work experience, participating in school-based metalwork programs, exploring pathway programs such as Multi Trades, and understanding apprenticeship application processes and employer expectations.

Beyond student engagement, the roadshow strengthened relationships with teachers, wellbeing officers, school coordinators and career counsellors across regional South Australia.

As South Australia's engineering, manufacturing, defence and resources sectors continue to grow, initiatives such as Engineered for Excellence play an important role in building awareness of the rewarding careers available in the trades while helping address future workforce needs.